ABSTRACT
In Learning from Experience, Wilfred Bion states: “Function” is the name for the mental activity proper to a number of factors operating in concert. He goes on to say that α-function operates on one’s sense impressions and emotions to produce α-elements. Failing that, β-elements arise, which are non-mental and non-phenomenal. He ultimately realized that the patient suffered from a defective α-function and thus was unable to transform his emotional experiences. Bion also states that elements are functions of the personality, and that: Psycho-analytic investigation formulates premises that are as distinct from those of ordinary science as are the premises of philosophy or theology. Psycho-analytic elements and the objects derived from them have the following dimensions: extension in the domain of sense; extension in the domain of myth; and extension in the domain of passion.
